The Five Most Common Skin Issues in Infants

As winter closes in, we're all feeling a little fragile. But babies, with their delicate skin and brand-new and untested immune systems, are especially susceptible to the elements. Read on for advice from Beijing United Family Hospital's (BJU's) Chair of Dermatology, Dr. Shan Yuan, about the most common skin issues in infants and how to deal with them.

1. Eczema

According to Dr. Yuan, the most common skin issue in infants is infant eczema. “It’s more and more common these days – around 30% of babies will get it,” she says. To prevent the disease, she recommends using plenty of moisturizer, not bathing your child too often (1-2 times a week in winter is enough), and paying attention to diet – both the mother’s diet as she breastfeeds and the infant’s diet as they start to eat solid food. Of all these measures you can take, Dr. Yuan emphasizes that applying moisturizer is the most effective. “Apply it after bathing, and even between baths. In the winter, you may need to use a wet towel to dampen the skin before applying the moisturizer. This can be done once or twice a week.” She adds that you can use moisturizer made for adults, and that there is no need to buy special products for babies. “As long as there is no reaction, it’s safe,” she says. Her final tip on the matter: “Don’t always change brands. If one brand is working, just continue using that.” 

2. Nappy rashThe second-most common skin ailment for babies is nappy rash, or diaper dermatitis. As Dr. Yuan explains, “It’s a form of eczema, but it’s caused by wearing a soiled diaper for too long. The topical environment becomes damp for too long and irritates the skin. In severe cases, the skin may peel or come off.” To prevent this irritation from occurring, Dr. Yuan recommends changing the baby’s nappy as soon as it becomes soiled, and to be especially vigilant if the baby suffers from diarrhea. “We need to make sure their buttocks are dry and clean and moisturized,” she stresses. “If they become very red or pimply, we need to apply a topical cream such as steroid cream, or an antibacterial or antifungal treatment. These can be combined depending on the condition.” As general practice, Dr. Yuan also recommends using an air humidifier in your home to keep the moisture in the air at a healthy level.

3. Viral and bacterial infections

With their delicate immune systems and wanton disregard for basic hygiene practices, babies are more susceptible than adults to viral and bacterial infections. There are highly infectious warts, like molluscum contagiosum (which can be anywhere on the body) and plantar warts (which appear on the hands and feet). There’s also impetigo, which is a bacterial infection that happens when the child picks their nose, breaks the skin, and introduces bacteria into the blood. This presents as red sores, most commonly around the nose and mouth. To prevent these diseases, Dr. Yuan recommends keeping your baby’s skin moisturized and avoiding very crowded areas where there may be lots of communicable diseases. If you think your child has developed one of these diseases, take them to see a dermatologist immediately.

4. Infant acne

Acne isn't just for teenagers! It’s not uncommon for babies to suffer from it as well, possibly because of the sudden drop in the level of hormones they are exposed to after birth compared to while in the womb. It can present two to four weeks after delivery and last for one to three months. “When this happens,” says Dr. Yuan, “we usually apply moisturizer and wait for it to go away naturally. If it’s very severe, we can use antibiotics, but only if it really isn’t going away.” She emphasizes that, when this illness presents itself, the marks must not be scratched as this can cause scars that will last for five to 10 years. 

5. Birthmarks and molesAlmost everyone has a birthmark. They can be red, brown, black, pink, white, or even skin-colored. Most birthmarks are perfectly harmless, but some need treatment. These include red or skin-colored marks. “Hemangiomas – or red birthmarks – can often disappear by themselves,” explains Dr. Yuan. “But, whenever we see a red birthmark, we should take the child to a dermatologist, as it may be a sign of something dangerous like an issue with the blood vessels.” While around 10% of children may have hemangiomas, only 1% will need to get them removed. The earlier they are removed, the better the result. 

Skin-colored birthmarks are patches of skin that feel different from regular skin and may be thicker or rougher. “These need to be removed as early as possible as they can cause problems later in life,” says Dr. Yuan. “They may grow and become unsightly, especially if they’re on the face or scalp, so we usually cut them off as soon as we can.” If your child has a birthmark that concerns you, take him or her to the dermatologist to get it checked out.

The same thing goes for moles. “When there’s a congenital mole, we need to have a dermatologist to look at it to make sure it’s alright,” advises Dr. Yuan. “If it’s dangerous, it may need to be removed.” It’s also good practice to monitor any marks your child has on their skin over time. “It’s a good idea to take a few photos of your baby’s moles. These should include one photo in which you can clearly see the location of the mole in relation to other features, and a close-up photo of the mole. In these photos, you should hold a ruler up to the mole so it’s clear how big it is. That way, as the child grows older, you can monitor the moles and see if they grow any larger.”

Repeat after me …

When it comes to your baby’s skin health, the main things to remember are:

• Use plenty of moisturizer cream;

• Don’t bathe your baby too often;

• Use an air humidifier in your home in the winter;

• Stay away from crowded places that may have lots of viruses or bacteria;

• Get any suspicious moles, birthmarks, or irritations checked by a dermatologist.

Dr. Shan Yuan is Chair of Dermatology at Beijing United Family Hospital (BJU). She has practiced Dermatology for 21 years. If you would like to make an appointment with her, please call the BJU Service Center at 4008-919191.

• Want to keep your skin itch-free before the baby comes? Check out more of Dr. Yuan's tips.

• Getting ready to start a family? Read tips from BJU Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Dr. Marriott, for preparing for pregnancy.

• Looking to instill a love of sports or music in your child? Read BJU Child Psychiatrist Dr. Salinas' guide to finding and nurturing a hobby for your child.